Advanced Selection Methodologies for DNAzymes in Sensing and Healthcare Applications. Issue 3 (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Sandeep; Jain, Shikha; Dilbaghi, Neeraj; Ahluwalia, Amrik Singh; Hassan, Ashraf Aly; Kim, Ki-Hyun
• Is Part Of: Trends in biochemical sciences. Volume 44:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 213
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Biochemistry -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-0004

Abstract

Abstract : DNAzymes have been widely explored owing to their excellent catalytic activity in a broad range of applications, notably in sensing and biomedical devices. These newly discovered applications have built high hopes for designing novel catalytic DNAzymes. However, the selection of efficient DNAzymes is a challenging process but one that is of crucial importance. Initially, systemic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) was a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, but recent advances have accelerated the automated generation of DNAzyme molecules. This review summarizes recent advances in SELEX that improve the affinity and specificity of DNAzymes. The thriving generation of new DNAzymes is expected to open the door to several healthcare applications. Therefore, a significant portion of this review is dedicated to various biological applications of DNAzymes, such as sensing, therapeutics, and nanodevices. In addition, discussion is further extended to the barriers encountered for the real-life application of these DNAzymes to provide a foundation for future research. Highlights: Techniques for the selection of DNAzymes via SELEX approaches include microfluidics, nanoselection, hi-fidelity, isogenic, and automated. DNAzymes are able to catalyze chemical reactions with high activity and selectivity. DNAzymes have applications in sensing, catalysis, and healthcare. DNAzyme-based biosensors typically use RNA-cleavage and G-quadruplex DNAzymes. Suppression of cancer-related genes is an important target of DNAzymes. DNAzymes may be used as theranostic agents with dual utility in diagnosis and treatment.